The Best Budget Travel Tripods for Photographers
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Any good travel tripod should be durable, versatile, and easy to use while on the go. A travel tripod should be lightweight and compact enough to fit into a carry-on bag or backpack; but at the same time, it should be sturdy enough to withstand bumps that inevitably occur while traveling around with gear.
Let’s do a resource round-up of some of the more affordable travel tripods on the market.
We’ll discuss, in no particular order:
- Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO
- Gitzo Lightweight Traveler
- Induro AKB1
- SIRUI T04S
- Benro Adventure 2 Series
- Leofoto LS-364C CF
- MeFOTO Roadtrip S
- Dolica Odyssey Series
- Manfrotto Element MII
- Peak Design Travel Tripod
Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO
The Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Aluminum Tripod [Amazon Affiliate Link] is lightweight, compact, and made from high-quality aluminum.
This tripod has a quick and easy setup and is capable of holding up to 22 pounds of gear.
Gitzo Lightweight Traveler
The Gitzo Lightweight Traveler Tripod [Amazon Affiliate Link] is made from carbon fiber, making it both strong and lightweight.
This tripod also features interchangeable, reverse-folding legs, allowing you to customize it for your specific needs.
Made in Italy.
Induro AKB1 Tripod
The Induro AKB1 Tripod [Amazon Affiliate Link] is made from high-quality aluminum and magnesium and features a compact design, making it a great option for travel.
This tripod’s adjustable angle leg locks accommodate uneven surfaces and awkward shooting situations. Amazon purchase includes a deluxe carrying bag with strap.
Made in the USA.
SIRUI T04S Series Carbon Fiber
The SIRUI T04S Series Carbon Fiber Tripod [Amazon Affiliate Link] is made from carbon fiber and features a compact design, making it a great option for travel.
This tripod has a load capacity of 13.2 lbs. and has a maximum height of 58.7".
The lightweight design and small size of this tripod are perfect for all adventurers who require a compact travel tripod. Easily storable in a backpack.
Benro Adventure 2 Series
The Benro Adventure 2 [Amazon Affiliate Link] is made from high-quality aluminum and features a compact design, making it a great option for travel.
This tripod also has a high load capacity and is capable of holding up to 26.5 pounds of gear.
Leofoto 364C CF Travel Tripod
The Leofoto 364C CF Travel Tripod [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a lightweight carbon fiber tripod. The Amazon purchase includes a carrying case, tripod spike set, sandbag hook and multi-tool.
Locks engage and disengage with just a small turn, and the contact feels very positive.
Legs sections slide smoothly. Max load: 55 lbs.
MeFOTO Roadtrip S Travel Tripod
The MeFOTO Roadtrip S Travel Tripod [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a carbon fiber tripod that is capable of being converted to a monopod.
This tripod takes Arca-Swiss style camera plates.
This tripod’s reverse folding design allows it to be super compact for fitting inside cases or attaching to camera bags.
Dolica Odyssey Series
The Dolica Odyssey Series tripod [Amazon Affiliate Link] is lightweight (made of aluminum) yet sturdy. The tripod has a professional grade ball head and Arca-Swiss style camera plates.
The tripod’s legs are resistant to the corrosive power of seawater, humidity and other aggressive natural environments.
This tripod extends to a maximum of 60” in height and the Amazon purchase comes with a nylon carrying case.
Manfrotto Element MII
The Manfrotto Element MII [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a lightweight aluminum travel tripod. This tripod reaches up to 160 cm, folds down to 42.5 cm and has a weight capacity of 17 lbs. (capable of holding even heavy zoom lenses).
This tripod’s rapid leg opening system and ergonomic twist-locks firmly lock the legs into position, allowing quick setup while keeping your focus on the shot.
Made in Italy.
Peak Design Travel Tripod
The Peak Design Travel Tripod [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a lightweight travel tripod made of aluminum. This tripod has an impressive weight capacity of 20 lbs. that is capable of supporting a full-frame DSLR with a telephoto lens.
All parts are serviceable, cleanable, and replaceable. The Amazon purchase includes a padded, weatherproof case. Also available in a more expensive carbon fiber model.
These are just a few of the many options available, and you should choose the travel tripod that best fits your specific needs and preferences. And, of course, if you’re traveling abroad with your photography gear, you should insure the gear to stay on the safe side.
Get Photography Insurance (Canada)
Front Row’s photography insurance policy (Canada) can be purchased online 24/7. If a location requires evidence of liability insurance before they will allow you on the property to shoot, Front Row can provide that to you in 5 minutes, 24/7 for 12 months of coverage. Online means lower cost.
Worldwide coverage options are available on the photography insurance policy:
- Standard Worldwide: choose this option if you will need coverage outside of Canada/USA for less than 90 days during your policy period.
- Extended Worldwide: choose this option if you will need coverage outside of Canada/USA between 90 days and less than 360 days during your policy period.
Refer a Friend to Front Row
Based on customer demand, we’ve setup our referral marketing program and if you refer a friend to Front Row, you could win a $15 Amazon eGift Card OR be entered into a random draw to win a $99 Amazon eGift Card! (depending on your province)
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- Google Web Story: THE BEST BUDGET TRAVEL TRIPODS
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